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South West Lakes Trust 2011

South West Lakes Trust manages around 30 lakes as fisheries in the South West of England. The Trust was formed to provide, promote and enhance sustainable recreation, access and nature conservation at these lakes. One of the most popular activities for visitors is angling for both coarse and game fish. Each of the lakes has its own unique character. Some lakes are found in wild and secluded settings, or you may choose to fish at locations which offer other amenities such as campsites with modern facilities, and cafes. The lakes are regularly re-stocked with good-sized fish, and regulars will be familiar with the legendary large fish landed at some of the coarse fishing sites.

Bank, boat and more

We aim to provide great fishing for both experienced anglers and beginners. New ventures introduced during 2010 included a new branch of the South West Fishing For Life scheme at Kennick, in addition to the already successful branch at Wimbleball, which gives a people living with breast cancer an opportunity to experience fly fishing, which can aid their physical and emotional healing (all equipment is provided, and novices are welcomed). In conjunction with a local instructor based at Wimbleball, we have introduced kayak fishing, and will be offering introductory experience days. There are now improved access facilities at Kennick, along with a replacement wheelyboat. Our successful training and family days are held regularly throughout the year. Juniors will be encouraged to fish for both coarse fish and trout with the parent/child ticket again being available allowing youngsters under 12 years to fish for free, sharing the parent bag limit. Please note that children under 14 years should be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times.

Tuition for beginners

Beginners’ Days are held in conjunction with local qualified professional instructors and the Environment Agency. They include national Fishing Week family events at Siblyback and Stithians, as well as Beginners Days, Junior Days, Ladies’ Days and Family Days at Kennick, Siblyback, Wimbleball and Stithians. For more details contact 01566 771930 or click on fishing at www.swlakestrust.org.uk These events have been very successful over the past seasons, with many novices taking up the sport, including the formation of a Ladies’ Club at Wimbleball. Equipment can be provided and a local professional instructor will share his knowledge and experience in the use of equipment and where to catch fish. The Trust held a series of coarse fishing junior days during 2010 which attracted more than 120 young people and these will run again in 2011/12. The tuition days are very popular, so prior booking is essential. Individual tuition can also be arranged with local, qualified instructors.

Access for all

Through its partnership with the Wheelyboat Trust, South West Lakes Trust is able to provide wheelyboats suitable for wheelchair access at Roadford, Upper Tamar, Wimbleball, Stithians, Siblyback and Kennick. These must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. There is also a Wheelyboat at Wistlandpound, which is operated by the Calvert Trust. We provide facilities for disabled anglers at some of our fisheries.

Competitions

The Trust holds three main trout fishing competitions each year: The Peninsula Classic bank competition at Kennick in June, supported by Fly Fishing Tackle, Crediton; the Snowbee Team bank competition at Siblyback in July; and the Wimbleball 2000 boat pairs competition in September, supported by Orvis. Dates and booking information are available from the Angling Centres at these lakes or click on fishing at www.swlakestrust.org.uk The Trust also holds its successful Carp Fishing weekend competitions at Upper Tamar. Details of these may be found on the website. Porth and Upper Tamar are both popular coarse fishing large competition venues which may be booked in advance by contacting 01566 771930, along with other coarse fisheries. Details of all competitions at these sites and other Trust waters in the region may be found on the website on the Fishing Diary page. Fishing news and catch reports may also be found here – photos of your successful catches, or articles, are always welcome.

Season permits

In addition to pay-per-visit, you can also purchase a season ticket. These are available locally through the Trust’s ‘Outdoor And Active’ Centres, on-line from the Trust’s website, or through Summerlands Tackle in Westward Ho!, either in person or over the phone on 01237 471291. Westcountry Angling Passport tokens, which are available through the Westcountry Rivers Trust and other outlets, may be used as part-payment for fishing on the trout fisheries. This payment option may be used at self-service lodges and at ticket agents.

What’s going on?

If you would like to receive a copy of the Trust’s Coarse or Trout Fisheries Newsletter, please email: [email protected] or phone 01566 771930 to be included on the mailing list. The Trust is committed to angling and creating the best possible experience for its visitors. So any comments are welcome to help us provide what you, the angler, really wants. For information on sites, facilities, instruction and competitions please contact our specialist Fisheries Managers: